Vacation rentals in Gainesville

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Popular amenities for Gainesville vacation rentals

Stay near Gainesville's top sights

Satchel's Pizza135 locals recommend
Florida Museum of Natural History134 locals recommend
Depot Park115 locals recommend
Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Company111 locals recommend
The Hippodrome State Theatre97 locals recommend
First Magnitude Brewing Company82 locals recommend

Home rentals in Gainesville

Guest favorite
Home in Duckpond
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 178 reviews

Charming Studio Apt Near Downtown

ElizabethRating, 5 stars5 months ago
We came down for the Fla LSU football game. We had a great time, and everything was conveniently located from the home. The price was a little higher than we would of liked to of paid for but we know on football weekends any place is going to be a little pricier. We had a wonderful time and Glani's place was what we needed. Simple no fuss. Just a great place to rest our heads after a long day of being at the game. Thank you for your hospitality.
Top guest favorite
Home in High Springs
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 278 reviews

Lemon Tree_Home in HS_ Near Springs_Venues_ Shops

ElizabethRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
Unfortunately we were BADLY burned (victims of genuine fraud) on another rental website, so we were very nervous reserving on this website. Online reviews looked good and family in the local area checked out the place. The experience was TOPNOTCH! Could not have asked for a better host. The house was beautiful, clean, comfortable. Plenty of linens, dishes, available W & D, 2 refrigerators, wifi connection, keypad entry. Steven was in constant communication with us and we appreciated his concern for us to have a great stay. Will definitely stay here again if Steven will have us.
Guest favorite
Home in High Springs
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews

The Cozy Retreat

Angela RoseRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Very close to the track if you’re coming for BMX! We had a slight issue with some pricing but the host and Air B and B got it fixed. Clean and easy check in!
Guest favorite
Home in Gainesville
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 189 reviews

Very Spacious house 6 miles from U of FL VA/Shands

AngelaRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Linda’s place was exactly what I needed for my vacation. It was close to my event that was going on, very comfortable, and had everything we needed for our stay. Linda responded very quickly to any questions I had. I would definitely recommend staying here to anyone looking for a place in this area. I will book again next time I am in the area!
Top guest favorite
Home in Alachua
5 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviews

Retro Revival - Mid-Century Refuge w/a '70s Twist!

ArnoldRating, 5 stars1 week ago
This is a very beautiful home. Very spacious and clean. Lots of bedrooms with a bunk bed. There’s TV in every bedroom.
Guest favorite
Home in Gainesville
4.79 out of 5 average rating, 135 reviews

Beautiful Family home located downtown & VA, UF🏈

ChadRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Myself and three friends were there for one night. Yenni was clear on check-in instructions and the place was exactly as listed. It was very close to any and everything in Gainesville! Thank you for your hospitality!
Superhost
Home in Alachua
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 223 reviews

Gated Golf Getaway close to Springs and UF

AshleyRating, 5 stars3 days ago
Very peaceful neighborhood. Room to cook, relax, enjoy the backyard and more. We had six guests stay and had plenty of room without feeling cramped! Would book again.
Top guest favorite
Home in Duckpond
5 out of 5 average rating, 340 reviews

The Floridian. Newly Built Dreamhome, Central

DenikaRating, 5 stars1 week ago
The best place we have stayed in in Gainesville!! Everything was so clean and so nice. The mattresses were also so comfortable which was just the added bonus!

Other great vacation rentals in Gainesville

Top guest favorite
Home in High Springs
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 62 reviews

The Great Outdoors House | Experience High Springs

AndreaRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Had a wonderful weekend, the resturants were great, the downtown square was so darling we really enjoyed actually getting to get out and enjoy everything around us, everyone was super friendly and thw house was exactly as described and very well kept. we couldnt of asked for more!
Guest favorite
Home in Keystone Heights
4.75 out of 5 average rating, 93 reviews

Lake House Getaway

KristieRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Huge place, very comfortable, outside space was wonderful. Sitting on the deck listening to the birds was great. Neighbors were very friendly and it was nice to walk around the lake nearly every day. It is exactly as described. This is their camp so it’s not fancy and some of the floors are a bit uneven or saggy. But it was very livable and a nice place to stay. Victoria was very responsive any time we messaged her. Would definitely recommend.
Superhost
Home in Fort White
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 17 reviews

Golden Girls Spring Retreat 2

ThomasRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Host had a few condiments in refrigerator and even eggs! She was very friendly and I’d stay there again.
Top guest favorite
Home in Williston
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews

Devil's Den/Chi University/Goethe Forest

MeganRating, 5 stars1 week ago
The house was beautiful, and clean. The communication was great. We will rent here again.
Top guest favorite
Home in Hawthorne
5 out of 5 average rating, 12 reviews

The Sirens Lair Plus

JacobRating, 5 stars2 months ago
Cathleen’s place was wonderful! Such a quaint and peaceful getaway suitable for all ages. House was actually bigger than we were expecting with a giant back yard/lake beachfront for activities. We can’t wait to go back
Top guest favorite
Cabin in Williston
5 out of 5 average rating, 59 reviews

Perfect GetawayCabin Themed Farm UF/HITS/WEC

SarahRating, 5 stars1 week ago
We went to snorkel at Devil's Den and stayed 2 nights at Karen's place. The cabin was beautiful and looked just like the photos. We met her goats snd chickens and horses and the property was stunning. Incredibly peaceful and felt far away from the world, yet only 10 minutes to Devil's Den. She left a great list of local restaurants and attractions. Was just lovley to drink coffee in the morning on the porch swings. We had delicious pizza at Archie's, but mostly just enjoyed the cabin and property. Highly recommend!
Top guest favorite
Home in High Springs
5 out of 5 average rating, 30 reviews

Riverfront cottage in the trees

KelleiRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
We loved staying here! It was the perfect location to be close to downtown High Springs and is a straight shot to all of the springs (Poe, Gilchrist and Ginnie) we wanted to visit. Being right on the river was so relaxing, and we had so much fun playing ping pong, cornhole and darts with our teenagers. We built a fire with wood purchased right off the main road and made s'mores too. The house was very well-appointed and we appreciated having plenty of towels, kitchen items (including spices and other essentials we usually have to bring or buy). The beds were comfortable and the a/c worked great, which I always appreciate. Will absolutely stay again!
Top guest favorite
Home in Gainesville
5 out of 5 average rating, 20 reviews

Pool, 10 guests, near stadium, family-friendly

KellyRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
Great house, responsive & kind host, clean & well stocked. Our stay here was terrific! The house & pool looked exactly like the photos. The house was comfortable, spacious, clean & was stocked with plenty of towels & kitchen supplies. There were pool activities & plenty of seating outside, including 2 tables with umbrellas. My family looks forward to staying here again.

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Gainesville

  • Total rentals

    1.3K properties

  • Total number of reviews

    62K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    690 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    450 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    360 properties have a pool

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    770 properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Gainesville

All About Gainesville

With a state park home to wild bison and alligators, a natural history museum with an internationally-acclaimed fossil collection, and a 125-acre wetland park located right downtown, Gainesville, Florida offers more than your typical college town. One hour from Jacksonville, Gainesville is the biggest city in Alachua County, located in north central Florida. The region is best known for its natural areas, which are perfect for outdoor recreation such as biking, swimming, and boating.

However, Gainesville is also home to well-preserved historic buildings, the oldest of which dates back to 1884. For a small city, Gainesville is a lively place with many festivals scheduled throughout the year, as well as a strong arts scene intertwined in the city’s culture. Street art and full wall murals showcase local talent all over Gainesville. A noteworthy spot to visit is the ever-changing Gainesville Graffiti Wall, a 1,120-foot wall that receives new art added nearly every day.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Gainesville

Many of Gainesville’s most popular attractions are outdoors and best explored in the springtime. Warm Florida weather brings life to an array of wildflowers, including the roadside phlox, which blooms from April to June each year. Spring also gets significantly less rainfall than the summer months, making it a good time to plan outdoor picnics and hiking excursions. Spring is also when the Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival takes place, showcasing local art and live music.

Summer is rainy season in Gainesville, and the days are often warm and muggy. The precipitation eases every October, and the weather becomes more comfortable for spending time outdoors. Winter is brief, mild, and dry and worth a trip for the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire that turns the Alachua County Fairgrounds into a medieval marketplace for two weeks every January.


Top things to do in Gainesville

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Just south of Gainesville is the Paynes Prairie Preserve, a state park that protects the habitat of a wide variety of native animals and birds. You may come across wild horses, deer, and bison when walking in the prairie, or alligators in the park’s marshes. A 16-mile paved path makes it possible to bike through the park for a close up view of Floridian nature. For a panoramic view, a 50-foot-high observation tower is open to the public.

Kanapaha Botanical Garden

The city’s 64-acre botanical garden has 24 collections, including the largest public bamboo forest display and the largest herb garden in Florida. With a map in hand, you can wander through gardens that specialize in botanical varieties, such as the Bromeliad Garden, Fern Cobble, Bamboo Garden, Woodland Trail, and more. Three different waterfalls link up the water gardens to the west of the park.

Florida Museum of Natural History

Learn about the last 65 million years on earth as you progress through five geologic periods in the Florida Museum of Natural History’s permanent Florida Fossils exhibit. Many of the fossils here were discovered within a 100-mile radius of Gainesville. Right at the exhibit’s entrance are several sets of shark jaws, including the nine-foot-wide jaws of the extinct Megalodon. Another permanent exhibit encourages children to learn through interactive activity stations and is open weekdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Gainesville?

    Gainesville has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers (around 90°F or 32°C) and mild winters (around 42°F to 65°F, or 5°C to 18°C). Rain is common, especially in summer.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Gainesville?

    Visitors often explore the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History, cheer on the Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, or take a stroll in Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Gainesville?

    The most popular time to visit Gainesville is from March to May when the weather is comfortable. Events like the Spring Garden Festival in Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and the Downtown Festival & Art Show happen during this period.

  • What are the best places to stay in Gainesville?

    Explore diverse neighborhoods in Gainesville such as Downtown, known for its historic charm, the University Heights for its university vibe, and the Millhopper district for a more peaceful residential setting.

  • What are the best places to visit in Gainesville?

    Frequently suggested places are the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Harn Museum of Art, and the historic Thomas Center.

  • What are some hiking trails in Gainesville?

    Gainesville has Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park featuring many trails, the La Chua Trail known for its wildlife sightings, and the Hogtown Creek Greenway, a canopy road with walking paths.

  • What are some family activities to do in Gainesville?

    Families often explore educational venues like the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, engage in outdoor adventures at Morningside Nature Center, or spend the day at the Depot Park.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Gainesville?

    Day trip ideas include visiting the historic town of Micanopy, exploring the O'Leno State Park, or heading to the coastal city of Cedar Key.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Gainesville?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 770 vacation rentals in Gainesville featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • How much does it cost to stay in guesthouse rentals in Gainesville?

    Experience the best of Gainesville with our guesthouse rentals, starting at about $30 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

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